Assam governor appeals for peace in Dima Hasao

Assam Governor JB Patnaik today appealed to people to maintain peace in Assam's Dima Hasao district where violence has claimed one life and several houses have been set ablaze. "It is very unfortunate that fresh violence has started in the district and some houses have been burnt down. I appeal to all to maintain peace at all costs and the situation is not allowed to turn into ethnic clashes," the Governor said in a statement here. He asked the authorities to ensure that all disorderly elements are controlled.

One person was killed and three others were injured in fresh violence in the district when attackers, claiming to be members of the local underground outfit Hills Tiger Force, swooped down on an ethnic Dimasa village, Gaijan, and set ablaze 16 houses late last night.

Eight houses were burnt down at Chota Longri village and chief of surrendered insurgent group Dima Hasao Daogah (James) James Dimasa, at Haflong on Friday.